it claims to be inspired -...

document.docx Last Updated: 09/16/2012

“We can trust the Bible because…”It Claims to Be Inspired

Times & Locations Preached: Orleans, Indiana September 16, 2012Scripture Reading: John 16:13Accompanying Song: # “Give Me the Bible”Subject: Bible, Inspiration ofObjective: To demonstrate that the Bible 1) claims to be inspired and 2) that it is inconceivable that we do not have its original message todayLocation: /tt/file_convert/5e083ebd114cfe092c51c33e/document.docx

Introduction:

1. (Slide) In the spring of 1989 syndicated talk show host Larry King interviewed Shirley MacLaine on the New Age. When a Christian caller contested her view with an appeal to the New Testament, MacLaine brushed him off with the objection that the Bible has been changed and translated so many times over the last 2000 years that it's impossible to have any confidence in its accuracy. King was quick to endorse her "facts." "Everyone knows that," he grunted.1

a. “How can we know that the documents we have in our possession accurately reflect originals destroyed almost two millennia ago?” 2

b. “Communication is never perfect; people make mistakes. Errors are compounded with each successive generation, just like the message in the telephone game…

It's easy to state the problem, and some may think merely raising the objection makes the argument itself compelling.”3

2. So we need to ask, “Is the Bible actually the word of God?”a. How we chose to answer that question will have far-reaching consequences – will

determine the direction Christians will take a congregation.

1 Larry King with Shirley MacLaine, spring 1989 as reported on http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=60682 http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6068#_ftnref13 http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6068#_ftnref1

Michel D. Mahler of 11


b. If we accept the Bible as the word of God we should, by default come to see it as authoritative.

c. Rejection of the inspiration of the Bible equals rejection of the Bible itself!i. If the Bible is a book written merely by men then their thoughts are no

more authoritative than the next man’s.ii. One who denies the inspiration of scripture is not bound to its doctrines and

teachings.

3. Before studying the Bible for ourselves or with our neighbors, this question must first be answered.

a. For the person who sees the Bible as God’s word, every word on the page carries a great deal of weight.

b. For the person who denies it is God’s word, the words might be an inspiring message or a guide but not authoritative in itself.

c. Important that we all see this issue alike: Could you imagine trying to convince someone to agree about the teaching, work or worship of the church if one party believed in using the scriptures as their sole guide and the other felt their feelings and opinions were just as valid?

4. If the Bible is, in fact, inspired then we should not be surprised that it claims to be.

5. Are the words on the pages of your Bible the inspired words of God or are they the mere words of men?

a. In this lesson I will answer that question. (Title Slide)b. I am here affirm that the Bible is indeed the word of God . c. I would like to offer several reasons that we know that it is beyond any reasonable

doubt!

Body: I. The first evidence of the Bible is that it claims to be the inspired word of God.

A. Many of writings of other religions of the world have scriptures they consider sacred or holy but few of them actually claim to be the actual words of God.1. This makes Christianity a unique religion among the religions because the Bible claims to

be revelation of God’s message to mankind – the most bold and enormous claim of all!2. Need to examine its claims: if not inspired, then nothing lost; if inspired then everything

may be lost!



II. We need to begin by defining our terms: What does it mean for the Bible to be “inspired”?A. Some use inspiration to describe one who is talented or has a passion for something:

“brilliant and creative; an inspired rendition of a classic song”4 as an author being moved to write a novel or a songwriter who is moved to write a song. This inspiration claims no miracle – that the author felt moved to create their work.

B. But the inspiration that the Bible claims is very different:1 Corinthians 14:37 (NKJV)

37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.

C. Paul is saying that the commandments (though he wrote them himself – he often signed his name to his letters) are not his thoughts but the very thoughts of God relayed through him.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) (5 SLIDES)16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for

reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

D. Should the new testament be considered scripture?1. First, let’s notice what scripture is according to 2 Tim. 3:16:

a. First, it is given by inspiration of Godb. Secondly, it is writings that are useful for doctrine (instruction) c. Third it is authoritative in order to reprove and correct someone (for setting things

straight)d. Finally it instructs one in areas of righteousness. In other words its writings are

helpful and insightful, giving us a view of the mind of God we might not otherwise have.

2. Second, the scripture says these are “inspired”.a. “Inspired”: Theopneustos (theh-op'-nyoo-stos) literally means “out-breathed rather

than in-breathed by God—divinely ex-spired, rather than in-spired”5 So biblical inspiration refers thoughts that are literally dictated by God.

b. This is an extremely rare usage of this word – in fact the only time this word is ever used in scripture, reserved for special use to describe how we the thoughts contained within scripture came to these men who received them.

4 (Microsoft)5 Wood, D. R. W., & Marshall, I. H. (1996). New Bible dictionary (3rd ed.) (507). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.



c. Many theologians today deny the inspiration of scripture. Many of these theologians teach in colleges and this skepticism has even begun to creep in amongst the body of Christ6

3. Third, let us understand a few things:a. 2 Timothy (we just read) was written by Paul.b. Some have gone to great lengths to argue that when Paul said “all scripture” he was

only talking about the Old Testament scriptures but the Bible will not bear this out:2 Peter 3:15–17 (NKJV)

15 ….our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him , has written

to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to

their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures . 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from

your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

c. Peter admits two things I would like to draw your attention to in this passage:i. Paul’s thoughts he has written in his epistles did not originate with him – they are

not his own – they were “given to him” and he wrote them to others.ii. Secondly, Peter places Paul’s epistles on par, that is equal to any other scriptures.

Peter considered Paul’s writings scriptures because he is critical of the false teachers mishandling Paul’s writings and “the rest of the scriptures”. Clearly Peter felt they were one and the same – the scriptures that were previously written and the epistles Paul penned.

III. How the first century Christians viewed inspiration:1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NKJV)

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as

it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

A. Obviously Paul considered what he said to be the word of God…B. The first century Christians viewed it that way as well.

6 (Power Publications, 2005) “Because It Is The In-spired Word Of God” by Dub McClish p.14



IV. I mentioned a moment ago that the word translated “inspired” occurs only once throughout the scriptures but you need to understand that the thought or concept of inspiration is repeated continuously throughout the scriptures:

Job 32:8 (NKJV)8 But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding.

A. “the breath of the Almighty” comes from the Heb. word “nešāmâ” (nesh-aw-maw') meaning “the breath of the Almighty”) which is the source of wisdom and understanding”7

B. So the word of God gives us understanding men would not otherwise have.

V. Verbal Plenary Inspiration: “plenary” does not occur in the Bible but it is derived from a Latin word meaning “full”A. When someone says they believes in “plenary inspiration” of the scriptures, they mean they

believe that the scriptures are inspired throughout, in every park, fully, completely.B. The Bible teaches this level of inspiration, again in 2 Tim. 3:16 where it says:

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…

1. Again, inspiration means that it is as if “God breathed” it.

Deuteronomy 18:18–19 (NKJV)

18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put

My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will

require it of him.

2 Samuel 23:2 (NKJV)

2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.

VI. How Jesus viewed inspiration:Matthew 10:19 (NKJV)

19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

7 Myers, A. C. (1987). The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (172). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.



A. Paul claimed plenary inspiration for the message he delivered:1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV)

10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NKJV)

13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

II. The Claims of the BibleA. If the Bible is not true it makes some of the most audacious claims of all…

B. The Bible holds itself to the absolute highest standard – utter perfection.Psalm 12:6 (NKJV)

6 The words of the LORD are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times.

1. When Paslm 12 describes the words of the Lord as being pure, the more accurate meaning is that they are proven, perfect.

2. The NIV translates it this wayPsalm 12:6 (NIV)

6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

3. People like to buy things with a guarantee (Craftsman tools). They give us assurance we are getting a quality product. The word of the Lord comes with a guarantee:

Psalm 119:89 (NIV)

89 Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

4. Psalm 119 guarantees every word:Psalm 119:160 (NKJV)

160 The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

5. Jesus said it this way:



Matthew 5:18 (NKJV)

18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

6. Jesus was saying if God said it would happen, it WILL HAPPEN!a. A “jot” and “tittle” were the smallest markings in the Hebrew language.b. It is equivalent to saying not one dot will fall off of a lower-case “i” and not one “t” will

fail to be crossed.c. And the Bible has not failed ONCE YET! (I assure you, if it had the skeptics would shout

it from the hilltops.)

C. No other religious books on the planet make such bold claims and what is more none live up to them!1. Hundreds of false prophecies have failed written by false teachers, the Bible’s have all

come true.2. Hundreds of statements have been made by false religions, the Bible has never been put

to shame.3. Numerous people have lost their faith in religions that consistently let their followers

down – numerous ancient religions are no longer practiced because they failed to fulfill their promises. The worship of the Bible began shortly after the beginning of the world and continues until this day.

III. Has the Bible been changed or altered throughout the centuries?A. It might be easy to see how someone like Shirley McClain or Larry King and might see that

the ORIGINAL words given to men were inspired but assume that those words have been changed or altered over the centuries.1. Like the telephone game where one person tells another who tells another – by the end of

the chain the message has been changed from its original meaning.

2. “Communication is never perfect; people make mistakes. Errors are compounded with each successive generation, just like the message in the telephone game. By the time 2000 years pass, it's anyone's guess what the original said.”8

B. Even if the Bible had been destroyed we could reasonably reconstruct it from the bits and pieces of the manuscripts we have.

8 http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6068#_ftnref1



1. The Bible is the bestselling book in all history and as a result it is also the most often quoted book in all history.

2. It has been said that even if every complete Bible were destroyed we would, without a doubt, have enough books, letters and other writings to reconstruct it as it originally was.

3. Illust.:a. Aunt Sallyb. Aunt Sally has a dream – in that dream she receives a recipe for an elixir called

“the fountain of youth” that is able to restore a person’s body back to the state it was in when the person was much younger.

c. The next morning, when Aunt Sally awakens she immediately scribbles down the recipe

d. She makes the elixir and is transformed!e. Amazed at the results, she writes down her recipe and sends it to some of her

friends.f. Those friends make copies and each send it to 10 of their friends.g. Unfortunately, the original copies of the formula are lost.h. So what can a person do? Would the recipe be lost forever?i. You set out on a mission to collect as many copies of the recipe as you can find –

you contact and Sally’s friends and all of their friends – you find 26 copies and all.j. You do notice some discrepanciesk. 23 are the samel. One has a misspelled wordm. One has to freeze is inverted: one says “mix, then chop” and the others say

“chop, then mix”n. One includes an ingredient that none of the others have on its list.o. Question: Although you do not have the original, do you think you can reconstruct

Aunt Sally’s original recipe? Of course she could.i. The misspelled words could be corrected.ii. The inverted phrases can be repairediii. The extra ingredient can be ignorediv. Misspellings would be obvious errors

p. This is a simplified example of how the science of textual criticism of the Bible works.4. Now this is what we have:



a. Of course the overwhelming majority of these texts say the exact same thing in almost every place.

b. Of the few that differ they can be compared to the rest:i. The misspelled words could be corrected.ii. The inverted phrases can be repairediii. The extra ingredient can be ignorediv. Misspellings would be obvious errorsv. Any copy that has additional text not found in the other copies would be

disregarded.C. Those who are critical of the Bible are looking for an excuse.

1. Scholars who study ancient literature still study the works of Aristotle, Plato and others…2. …And yet their writings are not nearly as reliable as those of the Bible:



1. Many Bible manuscripts are much older2. More of them3. Earliest are dated much closer to the original!

Conclusion: A. If the Bible’s claims are true…

3. …then the rest of its instructions transcend human understanding!4. …if it is from an all-knowing, all-seeing all-powerful God we should expect it to be inerrant

– there are no errors within its pages.5. …there is authority within scripture.

B. In fact, the Bible tells us it is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18). This seems possible because whatever God speaks, happens. God spoke and the world came to be. Therefore if God promises something, He has already predetermined that it will happen. The nature of all that exists is without choice!

C. The arguments you have heard in this lesson are but a few of the arguments that support the internal evidence showing:1. The Bible itself makes a very BOLD CLAIM – that it contains the VERY THOUGHTS OF GOD

REVEALED TO MANKIND.2. We have also demonstrated that it is beyond logic to think that the Bible does not contain

the original message that it did in the beginning.3. In lessons to come we are going to examine some other evidences that support the Bible

that demonstrate that it is inspired.

Invitation:



A. For now our lesson is over but there is but one thing to consider.B. If the Bible is truly the word of God then we need to obey what it says…C. When it records the words of Jesus who tells us to believe in Him, repent of our sins, confess

Him before others, and be baptized for the remission of our sins, making the commitment to live for him evermore.

D. If there is someone who is subject to that invitation or needs our assistance in any way, please let us know before you leave our assembly.

BibliographyMicrosoft. Encarta Dictionary. Power Publications. (2005). Why Should I Believe The Bible? Southaven, Mississippi: B.J. Clarke.

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